Tag Archives: disability rights
The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: A Promise in Peril
The rollback of disability rights has also been fueled by the broader political push to eliminate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs. These initiatives were designed to ensure that workplaces and institutions reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, including people with disabilities. Yet in the current climate, DEIA has been mischaracterized as “wokeness” and dismissed as a matter of preference rather than a matter of rights. This framing is not only inaccurate, it is dangerous. It ignores the legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations and treats the needs of disabled individuals as optional.
35th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
While the ADA reshaped the American society for the better by enabling millions living with disabilities to participate more fully in everyday life, we can use this celebration of it’s signing to recommit ourselves to the ADA’s vision – A nation where every individual, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, opportunity and independence. The ADA’s 35th anniversary is not just a celebration – it is a call for all of us to continue the work.
Preparing a Pet Plan: Hurricane Preparedness
It’s important to have a plan in place that accounts for every family member, including your pet. For many of us, our pets aren’t simply animals; they are family. They rely on us for food, shelter, and safety, just as much as we rely on them for companionship. This month we are focusing on making sure your furry friends are prepared and safe during a storm.
Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference – The 4-step guide
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created this four-part Taking Action series to break it down into simple, meaningful steps. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to do more, these tips will help you stay informed, get involved, and make your voice count.
The View From Here (25-06)
By: Justine Chichester “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller My father died early on a Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025. Just two months ago. He had been ill for a little over two years. As… Read More »
Text-to-911 is now available in Miami-Dade County
Residents can now send text messages to 911 during emergency situations.
The Text-to-911 service is operational across all of Miami-Dade County’s 911 call centers.
Taking Action: Stay Informed – Part 4
When you keep up with what’s happening in your community and beyond, you’re always ready to take action when it matters most.
Taking Action: How You Can Make A Difference – Part 3
Even if you think you’re registered and ready, it’s always a good idea to double-check. Laws change, deadlines move, and errors can happen—so taking just a few minutes now can save you stress later. Your vote is your power, and protecting it starts with knowing your status.
Benefits – 25-04
but for some it’s a fear of “If I start working, will my benefits be taken away from me?” The truth is: No. People with disabilities can work without losing their financial security or health care benefits. There are many programs available that make it possible to still collect benefits while working.
Fantasy Draft Pick
As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, let’s remember that autism doesn’t end with childhood. I can only hope to find appropriate support for my kids in the future. I may not have a draft pick on the way, but I’m hopeful for the right team to meet my children with their needs well into adulthood.
Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference- Part 2
Whether you call, email, send a letter, or speak at a public meeting, your input matters. Elected officials rely on feedback from voters like you to guide their decisions.
The View From Here (25-03)
I paused for a moment. The memories of being up there in that bed, wishing for a normal life, flooded my mind. And here I was now, in that same spot I looked down on a decade ago, actually that life I was wishing for. I remembered all that it took to get here. All of the struggles, all of the pain, all of the time and the heartbreak I had endured over these ten years to walk again and to just live my life again.
Benefits – 25-03
The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a special work incentive for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are students. It allows young individuals to work and earn income without immediately affecting their SSI benefits. This incentive helps students gain work experience while maintaining financial stability.
Year One on the Spectrum: Reflections from a Late-Diagnosed Autistic
I would have probably been one of those people that would be surprised to hear someone say they found out they were on the autism spectrum in their 30s, but then just after turning 34, I got the “news” that I too am on this wide and usually misunderstood spectrum of neurodivergence, and I’d slipped through the cracks the entire time.
Take These Chances
The biggest and most recent example was signing on to being an extra for the full-length feature film starring, none other than, Owen Wilson. This experience, though incredible and surreal, is my biggest example of how we can let go of our insecurities and wheel towards a life that we never dreamed of.
Benefits 25-01
SSA work incentives are designed to provide financial security while you test your ability to work. These programs support individuals aged 14 to 65 who want to enter or reenter the workforce, pursue career goals, and achieve financial independence.
Disability Designs Etc.
Our goal is to engage people both in and out of the disability community to consider various issues faced in society by persons with disabilities. The hope is that these products can be an avenue for dialogue to be initiated so that questions some people may have can be answered and we can all have the chance to have a better understanding of how things affect one another in our society.
Benefits 24-11
The intent of asset building initiatives is that as individuals develop assets, they will be able to move out of poverty and remain out of poverty.
Benefits 24-10
If you are a person with a disability and pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.
The View From Here (24-09)
I am reflective today of the challenges I’ve faced, the tremendous obstacles I’ve overcome and the enormous opportunities that have come my way because of all of it.
